How to Easily Treat Hives and Understand Symptoms and Causes
Hives are a common skin condition characterized by red, raised, itchy rashes, often accompanied by swelling. These rashes can appear anywhere on the body and typically resolve on their own in a short time. However, in some cases, they may become chronic, requiring prolonged treatment. Knowing the causes of hives can enable proper care, helping alleviate symptoms and prevent the recurrence of hives.
1. What are the Causes of Hives?
2. What are the Symptoms of Hives?
3. How to Easily Treat Hives?
4. How to Care for And Prevent Hives?
1. What are the Causes of Hives?
ลมพิษเกิดจากการที่ร่างกายหลั่งสาร ฮีสตามีน ซึ่งกระตุ้นให้หลอดเลือดขยายตัว ส่งผลให้เกิดผื่นแดง คัน และอาการบวม สาเหตุที่พบได้บ่อยมีดังนี้
2 Types of Hives
- Acute hives: Rash lasting no longer than six weeks, often caused by food, medication, or infections.
- Chronic hives: On-and-off rash lasting longer than six weeks, with various potential causes detailed below.
Causes of Hives
- Food allergies, such as seafood, milk, eggs, nuts, food preservatives, or food coloring.
- Allergies to medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, pain relievers, or aspirin.
- Chemical or topical allergies, such as perfumes, cleaning products, or anti-inflammatory creams.
- Allergies to dust, pollen, or animal hair.
- Environmental factors, such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity, or sweat.
- Allergies or autoimmune diseases (e.g. SLE).
- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
- Stress, anxiety, lack of rest, or physical weakness.
- Reactions to insect bites or stings.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Radiopaque contrast media used in CT scans.
The causes of hives vary, and some patients may have triggers beyond those mentioned above. It is advisable to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent hives from affecting daily life.
2. What are the Symptoms of Hives?
Do small rashes or bumps indicate hives? What kind of rash can signal that hives are affecting your body?
- Rashes: Swelling, raised, itchy rashes, often accompanied by itching.
- Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, such as the arms or legs, occur quickly, and typically disappear within 24 hours without leaving marks. However, new rashes may appear in other areas.
- Some patients may experience swelling of the eyes or lips. Others may have abdominal pain, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing.
- Fever: Hives may cause a mild fever or a sensation of increased body temperature.
If you notice red, raised, itchy rashes or swelling as described above, you should promptly take initial self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, such as difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately.
3. How to Easily Treat Hives?
Here are some simple initial treatment methods for hives to help alleviate symptoms and properly manage the condition:
- Avoid triggers of hives, such as medications, foods, pollen, animal hair, latex, stress, or extreme temperatures.
- Avoid scratching: Try not to scratch the rashes to reduce inflammation or the spread of symptoms.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothes that do not irritate the skin to minimize friction.
- Apply a cold compress or take a cold bath: Use a cloth soaked in cold water or wrap ice to apply to the rash to reduce itching and swelling.
- Use over-the-counter antihistamines: These can help relieve itching and reduce skin rashes. Follow the pharmacist's or label instructions strictly.
- Apply a cold pack with ice or cooling gel.
If initial care does not improve symptoms or if severe allergic reactions occur, such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat, seek medical attention immediately, as untreated symptoms may become dangerous.
4. How to Care for and Prevent Hives?
Caring for yourself when dealing with hives involves avoiding triggers, such as:
- Avoid foods or substances that cause allergies, such as seafood, nuts, or milk, as well as preservatives and food coloring.
- Avoid dust, pollen, animal hair, or chemicals that may trigger hives. Use an air purifier in areas with dust or allergens.
- Avoid extreme heat, cold, or high humidity.
- Choose appropriate skincare products: Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and lotion without irritants.
- Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water.
- Reduce stress by taking time to relax, such as through meditation, yoga, or activities that alleviate anxiety or stress.
- Be cautious with medications: Avoid drugs you have previously reacted to, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, and consult a doctor before taking any medication.
- Consult a doctor if you experience recurring hives or have had them before. Seek medical advice for allergy testing and guidance on prevention and treatment.
Adjusting your behavior and taking daily self-care measures can help reduce the chances of hives recurring, even though it may require lifestyle adjustments. This is to ensure you can live happily.
Foods People with Hives Should Avoid
- Vegetables, such as spinach, tomatoes, and legumes.
- Frozen meats stored for long periods, such as fish and shellfish.
- Canned and smoked foods, such as canned fish, sausages, cheese, yoghurt, fermented foods, herbal teas, and eggs.
- Fast food, such as fried chicken, hot dogs, burgers, and soft drinks.
- Seasonings, such as chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, and vinegar.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Food additives, such as preservatives.
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Sources: Retrieved on 25 November 2024